Organics Aotearoa New Zealand's Submission Opposing the Gene Technology Bill

17 February 2025

This submission represents the collective views of Aotearoa New Zealand’s organic sector.

To: Health Select Committee
Date: 17 February 2025

OANZ Opposes the Gene Tech Bill: Read Our Full Submission

Summary
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) has submitted strong opposition to the proposed Gene Tech Bill, which threatens New Zealand’s organic sector, food sovereignty, and global reputation for clean, green exports. Our submission urges the government to abandon the bill and calls for a robust, transparent consultation process to ensure New Zealanders retain their right to GE-free food choices.

Key Concerns from Our Submission:
1. Threat to Organic & Conventional Farmers – The bill makes GMO-free certification impossible and places financial risks on farmers, not biotech companies.
2. Loss of Consumer Choice & Transparency – Deregulation of GE products could remove mandatory labelling, leaving consumers unaware of what’s in their food.
3. Economic & Trade Risks – New Zealand’s $1B organic industry and wider export sector could suffer as key trading partners reject GE products.
4. Environmental & Health Risks – The bill fails to apply the precautionary principle and ignores international best practices in GMO regulation.
5. Lack of Public Consultation – The government’s rushed process undermines democratic engagement, with Māori, farmers, and consumers excluded from decision-making.

Download the full submission

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